The Democratic Central Committee for the 40th Legislative District — representing parts of Central, West and South Baltimore — voted 4-3 to recommend Mosby on Thursday over eight other contenders, including former Del. Shawn Z. Tarrant and activist Tiffany Welch.

Mosby, who dropped out of the Baltimore mayoral race after trailing in the polls, said he was eager to get to work and wanted to focus on ridding the city of lead paint, improving public safety, bettering city schools and fostering economic development in West Baltimore.

He focused his pitch to the committee on familiar themes from his mayoral bid — including being raised by a single mother, Eunice Orange, who awoke in the early-morning hours each day to get to work and support her family.

“I am excited. I always talk about the stories of my mother. Being a public servant is literally in my blood,” said Mosby, 37, after the vote. “I absolutely love dealing with complex issues, and many of them are in Baltimore City, specifically in the 40th District.

“I look forward to representing in a very competent way the residents of West Baltimore.”